Case Study as a Teaching Strategy

Steps in preparing your students for case study teaching

Case studies done in groups/teams

Introduce a simple case first and then evolve to more challenging ones

• Introduce a simple case first and then evolve to more challenging ones
• Discuss the purpose and suggested methods for doing a case study assignment
• If cases study is done in teams, introduce students to resources for group dynamics
• Allow sufficient class-time for groups to meet
• Establish ground-rules for groups (etiquette)
• Take sufficient time to introduce the narrative and establish the case facts
• Reassure students that “messiness” or "uncertainty” is normal for this type of assignment
• Make sure to allow time for student questions and feedback in order for students to fully understand the instruction

(adopted from Pyatt, 2006 in Schwartz, 2013)

How to use case studies on a practical level

The classroom set-up.

Arrange your classroom (if possible) in groups or horse shoe format;

• Arrange your classroom (if possible) in groups or horse shoe format;
• Ask open ended questions and start with an “easy” question, holding off on the controversial issues until much later!
• Listen for content, listen for contradiction, listen for analysis;
• In your questioning;
• Start with clarification of facts
• Move to analysis
• Ask students to evaluate and make judgements
• Students should finish off with making recommendations.
• Other tools to be used in case study is:
• Role-play
• Take a vote
• Have students write their own case study
• Creating a discussion forum or message board

THESE TECNIQUEs ON QUESTIONING IN CASE STUDIES CAN BE USED AS A TEACHING STRATEGY, OR FOR ASSESSMENT PURPOSES.

What a typical case study should look like

Executive summary – Define the objective, and state the key challenge.

• Executive summary – Define the objective, and state the key challenge.
• Opening paragraph – Capture the reader's interest.
• Scope – Describe the background, context, approach, and issues involved.
• Presentation of facts – Develop an objective picture of what's happening.
• Description of key issues – Present viewpoints, decisions, and interests of key parties.

THE END